Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek provided an update on the city’s water emergency following a water main break more than two weeks ago. She announced that two areas have been set up to provide non-potable water to residents who have been unable to collect rainwater at home. Water collection sites have been established at Baker Park and the Ogden boat launch, and residents are reminded to only take what they need as the water is untreated and not safe for consumption. This update comes a week after a local state of emergency was declared due to the water supply crisis caused by a catastrophic water main break on June 5 in the Montgomery neighbourhood.
The water main break occurred in a critical feeder main that carries water from the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. Crews are working to repair the feeder main and are on track to have it fixed by July 5, the first day of the Calgary Stampede. The current focus of the repair work is on welding, with crews welding adapters needed to attach a new steel section of pipe to the existing pipe. Mayor Gondek also reported that water consumption on Saturday was at 451 million liters, the lowest in three days. Further details about the ongoing repair work will be provided during an update session later in the day.
Officials have emphasized the importance of conserving water and using it wisely as repairs are being carried out. Residents are urged to minimize their water usage and to not waste water unnecessarily. The non-potable water being provided at the designated collection sites is meant as a temporary solution for residents until the water main is fully repaired. The city is working diligently to ensure that residents have access to water during this emergency situation and is taking necessary measures to address the water supply issue.
The water supply crisis caused by the water main break has led to challenges for residents in accessing safe drinking water. The river water being provided at the collection sites is not treated and therefore not suitable for consumption. Residents are advised to only use the water for non-potable purposes such as flushing toilets and watering plants. The repair work on the feeder main is progressing, and officials are working to restore the water supply as quickly as possible. The repair crews are focused on completing the welding work necessary for attaching the new section of pipe to the existing infrastructure.
As the repair work on the feeder main continues, city officials are providing regular updates to keep residents informed about the progress being made. The repair efforts are aimed at ensuring that the water supply is restored in a timely manner and that residents have access to safe and clean water. Mayor Gondek and other officials are working diligently to address the water emergency and are taking proactive measures to manage the situation effectively. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing repair work and to follow guidelines on water conservation to help manage the water supply crisis.
